A thinkable Paradox?

As a freelance blogger for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, I embarked on a unique photography project - capturing tourist hotspots in Bhutan using the "Smart_Torch Relay" app on my Android phone. It was an honor to be among hundreds chosen for this task, especially as the Torch Relay itself was being made electronic and accessible through smartphones.

My journey took me to historical sites like the tallest Buddha statue in Kuensel Phodrang, Paro's Tiger's Nest, and Kichu Lhakhang. On the way back from Paro, a thought-provoking encounter unfolded.

An elderly couple (around 70) hailed my taxi. The driver, blasting loud Hindi music, provided unwelcome background noise to our hour-long ride. As the couple boarded, they engaged in a philosophical debate.

The husband, Meme Phuntsho, questioned the essence of our travel. "Are we riding this car?" he asked, "Or are we riding the money that bought it?" His wife, unfazed, countered, "We could walk or take another car; money isn't essential."

This sparked a conversation. Meme Phuntsho pointed out that even a "free" ride requires money for the car's existence. His wife remained unconvinced, arguing that transportation itself, not just the vehicle, defines the ride. They turned to me, seeking my opinion.

I was struck by their contrasting perspectives. Is it truly the car, a mere machine, that carries us? Or is it the underlying value represented by the money used to acquire it? The question lingered, echoing the unresolved paradoxes of our existence.

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